Temporary trailer fix for Bowen public works yard approved

Environmental Assessments Will Also Be Carried Out At The Site To Address Contamination

ALEX KURIAL

Editor

Following some indecision earlier this year on what to do about the situation at the public works yard, it looks like a temporary solution has been found.

The situation in question is the state of the site, for both human and environmental health and safety A report by engineering director Patrick Graham at the end of January outlined several hazardous conditions at the municipal location on Carter Road, including rat and mold infestations in the work building, and contaminated soil and groundwater around the yard.

Graham outlined a long-term plan to revamp the site, including a new works building, garage, and environmental and security improvements

Total cost was estimated around $4 million, with a completion date in fall 2024 Council approved freeing up $190,000 at that meeting to conduct environmental assessments and begin the design work on the new structures, but walked this back the next week after deciding a financial deci- sion of that magnitude should be made during the annual budget process.

Instead, staff were asked to find a temporary fix for conditions at the yard. In addition to the hazardous issues, Graham says the building’s insufficient size and the site’s inadequate storage and operating facilities slow down workflow throughout the day.

As it stands the public works team is split between the roads and infrastructure workers at the yard, and the utilities crew in the room above the library for their operating bases

“It isn’t our preference to have a divided work force like this We already have issues with the divisions between an office and our outdoor workers,” explains Graham

The utilities team is planning to move to a temporary trailer at the Cove Bay Water Treatment Plant once that facility is operational. This type of unit is the solution Graham believes would – right now – work best for the staff at the public works yard as well. During council’s Feb 27 meeting he proposed an on-site trailer would address some of the “most egregious occupational health and safety issues” with the current building.

The plan hinges on avoiding the need for a building permit, since the environmental damage has led to a per-